Scott Alan Sandness, 57, of Belgrade, passed away on Dec. 31, 2013. He was born Dec. 27, 1956 in Valley City, N.D. to Theodore (Ted) and Pauline (Polly) Sandness.

Scott grew up on the family farm in the LaMoure, N.D. area. He graduated from LaMoure High School in 1975 and moved to Fargo, N.D., where he earned a degree in electronics from the community college. He also attended North Dakota State University before moving to Billings, Mont. where he did electronics repair and sound system installations. In 1986, Scott moved to Bozeman and attended Montana State University graduating in 1990 with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked as an electrical engineer for several years before his fascination with astronomy and star-gazing led to him opening a telescope store called Night Skies in Belgrade. Scott was a long-time member of the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society and helped many people get started in astronomy. He would get a big grin having people take their first look through a telescope and seeing the rings around Saturn. Not being afraid to try out different careers, Scott's last job was as a sales person at Carquest in Belgrade which he greatly enjoyed.

Scott's life-long love of music was inspired by his mother. He was an award-winning trumpet player, sang in various choirs, and was part of a barber shop quartet called "A Half Ton of Harmony." He loved 1970's rock and roll music playing on his JBL speakers. Throughout the years, Scott enjoyed hiking, bicycling, and most of all he was an avid golfer and Minnesota Viking fan.

Scott was a member of the Bozeman Church of Christ, where he enjoying singing, leading worship, and working the sound board for church services. His faith in God and the support of family and friends kept him enjoying life while going through his long battle with cancer. He had a tremendous influence for good in the lives of countless people.

Scott married Rose Bishop in 1993. They lived in Belgrade and divorced a few years later. Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Theodore Sandness, and his brother and sister, Peter and Vicki, who passed away shortly after birth.

Memorial services will be held at the Bozeman Church of Christ on Monday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Memorials in Scott's name may be made to the Bozeman Church of Christ, 1825 W Kagy Blvd., Bozeman, MT 59715.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, www.dokkennelson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Breeze from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Scott Sandness

4 Entries

Bob Wiersma

January 8, 2014

Scott was always had a positive attitude and while I only knew him for a couple of years. It was a pleasure to have him at our Southwest Montana Astronomical Society meetings. He will be missed.

January 7, 2014

Please accept my sincerest condolences. My God and your fond memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Ms Porter

Britney Moss

January 5, 2014

I knew Scott from being active in the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society when I was a teenager. My family and I loved visiting him at his shop to chat about or purchase telescope gear and I was always so happy to run into him at the golf course where we both spent a lot of time! He was so kind and quick to smile and was very encouraging to this budding amateur astronomer. I am incredibly grateful to have known him and will always remember him fondly. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Jim Manning

January 4, 2014

I'm saddened to hear that Scott has passed away. I knew him from my days in Bozeman when we were both involved with the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society. It was a happy association, and though I'm sad tonight, I will remember him with a smile, for he was always wearing one. He was one of those people one remembers, because he was one of those people who made a difference in the world. May he rest easy, and may his family and friends be at peace.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results